U.S. patent application number 10/997933 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for protective cover for bedding or bedding equipped with protective cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to BODET & HORST GmbH & Co. KG. Invention is credited to Horst, Gerd-Hermann.
Application Number | 20050115001 10/997933 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34621416 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050115001 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horst, Gerd-Hermann |
June 2, 2005 |
Protective cover for bedding or bedding equipped with protective
cover
Abstract
Bedding article which includes a core and a flame-resistant
protective cover surrounding and enclosing the core. This Abstract
is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the
specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in
any way.
Inventors: |
Horst, Gerd-Hermann;
(Hoerstel, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
BODET & HORST GmbH & Co.
KG
|
Family ID: |
34621416 |
Appl. No.: |
10/997933 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/698 ; 5/483;
5/954 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 31/001 20130101;
A47C 27/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/698 ;
005/483; 005/954 |
International
Class: |
A47G 009/00; A47C
027/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 29, 2003 |
DE |
203 18 510.2 |
Aug 19, 2004 |
DE |
20 2004 012 978.7 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A bedding article comprising: a core; and a flame-resistant
protective cover surrounding and enclosing the core.
2. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the bedding article
comprises a mattress.
3. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the bedding article
comprises a pillow.
4. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the bedding article
comprises a bed pad.
5. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the bedding article
comprises a bed cover.
6. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the flame-resistant
protective cover completely surrounds and completely encloses the
core.
7. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the flame-resistant
protective cover directly contacts an outer surface the core.
8. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the flame-resistant
protective cover comprises at least one natural fiber material.
9. The bedding article of claim 8, wherein the at least one natural
fiber material comprises cotton.
10. The bedding article of claim 9, wherein the cotton comprises
fibers with a flame-resistant finish.
11. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the flame-resistant
protective cover is removable from the core.
12. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the flame-resistant
protective cover is removable from the core via a fastening
arrangement.
13. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the fastening
arrangement comprises at least one zipper.
14. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the flame-resistant
protective cover comprises a flammable material with at least one
of a flame-resistant finish and a flame-resistant treatment.
15. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the flame-resistant
protective cover comprises a permanent flame-resistant finish.
16. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the flame-resistant
protective cover comprises a wash-proof flame-resistant finish,
whereby the wash-proof flame-resistant finish withstands repeated
washing of the flame-resistant protective cover.
17. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the flame-resistant
protective cover comprises a tricot bag.
18. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the flame-resistant
protective cover comprises a single jersey fabric.
19. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the flame-resistant
protective cover comprises a double jersey fabric.
20. The bedding article of claim 1, wherein the core comprises one
of a latex core, a foam core, and a box spring.
21. The bedding article of claim 1, further comprising an outer pad
arranged over the flame-resistant protective cover.
22. The bedding article of claim 1, further comprising an outer
covering arranged to surround the flame-resistant protective
cover.
23. The bedding article of claim 1, further comprising a removable
outer pad arranged over the flame-resistant protective cover.
24. The bedding article of claim 1, further comprising a removable
outer covering arranged to completely surround the flame-resistant
protective cover.
25. The bedding article of claim 1, further comprising an outer
covering completely surrounding and enclosing the flame-resistant
protective cover.
26. The bedding article of claim 1, further comprising a
multi-layer outer covering completely surrounding and enclosing the
flame-resistant protective cover.
27. A bedding article comprising: a mattress core; and a
flame-resistant protective cover completely surrounding and
enclosing the mattress core.
28. A bedding article comprising: a core; a removable
flame-resistant protective cover completely surrounding and
enclosing the core; and a non-flame-resistant outer covering
completely surrounding and enclosing the removable flame-resistant
protective cover.
29. A bedding article comprising: a mattress core; a removable
flame-resistant protective cover completely surrounding and
enclosing the mattress core; and a removable non-flame-resistant
multi-layer outer covering completely surrounding and enclosing the
removable flame-resistant protective cover.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 of German Patent Application No. 20 2004 012 978.7, filed
on Aug. 19, 2004, and German Patent Application No. 203 18 510.2,
filed on Nov. 29, 2003, the disclosures of which are expressly
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a protective cover for beds and
things associated with beds. The invention also relates to a
protective cover for, among other things, a mattress, a pillow, a
bed pad, or the like. The invention also relates to a bed which is
equipped with a protective cover.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Background Information
[0005] Bedding, such as, e.g., mattresses or pillows, can be easily
ignited in the event of a fire. Moreover, the resulting burning of
the bedding or the resulting strongly smoking of the bedding
presents a significant hazard to the user. This is particularly
problematic if the core of the bedding is made of flammable
materials such as, e.g., polyether, latex, a viscose material, or a
flammable box spring.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the invention,
there is provided bedding which includes a core, which can be e.g.,
a mattress core, and an arrangement which provides protection to
the core so as to at least greatly reduce the flammability of the
core while also allowing for the use a great variability of cover
materials on the top of the bedding and facing the user.
[0007] The invention also provides for a protective cover for
bedding, such as, e.g., mattresses, pillows or bed pads.
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the protective
cover is rendered at least flame-resistant and can be arranged to
directly surround the core of the bedding. In this way, other
materials or pads can be used and/or arranged on the surface of the
bedding, i.e., covering the protective cover. In this case, the
protective cover and the core would form an "inner core" of the
bedding, so that the user sees and/or feels only the other covering
materials. This is advantageous because the user will likely be
more pleased if the user sees/experiences a familiar surface cover
for the bedding and does not even notice the protective cover
enclosing only the inner core of the bedding.
[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the protective cover include,
among other things, protective covers which are made of natural
fibers, such as, e.g., cellulose fibers or cotton fibers. The
protective cover can even be made entirely of cotton. In the
cotton, the supplied cotton and/or cotton fibers is provided with a
flame-resistant finish and/or coating and/or treatment.
[0010] The protective cover can also be made separable and/or
removable from the bedding and/or from the inner core of the
bedding. This makes it possible to, e.g., launder and/or more
easily clean the protective cover. For example, the non-flammable
finish of the protective cover can be embodied such that it is
permanently wash proof in order to retain the properties of the
flame-resistant finish even after repeated washing. Of course, the
invention contemplates flame-resistant finishes which are not
permanently wash proof, i.e., which may lose flame-resistance over
time through repeated washings.
[0011] The invention also provides for a protective cover which
includes and/or is made of one or more of the following
qualities/properties/mater- ials:
[0012] single jersey fabric;
[0013] double jersey fabric;
[0014] double jersey fabric with a filling material;
[0015] terry toweling fabric qualities;
[0016] velour fabric qualities; and
[0017] woven fabric.
[0018] These materials can be used in order to provide excellent
protection to the core of the bedding with respect to flammability
while also being cost-effective to manufacture. The protective
cover can prevent the core from burning and/or catching fire by,
e.g., preventing melted fibers located on top of the bedding from
reaching the core of the bedding and/or preventing the core from
igniting therein. The protective cover can also ensure that melted
synthetic fibers, which may come in contact with the protective
cover, do not cause melting of the fibers of the protective cover,
and thus are prevented from reaching and/or contacting the core of
the mattress.
[0019] The invention also provides for bedding wherein the core of
the bedding has a covering of at least one flame-resistant
material.
[0020] According to another non-limiting advantageous embodiment of
the invention, the bedding is provided with a pad that is provided
on the top of the protective cover and/or is provided to completely
cover the protective cover so that the protective cover is arranged
between the core and the pad.
[0021] The invention also provides for a bedding article comprising
a core and a flame-resistant protective cover surrounding and
enclosing the core. The bedding article may comprise a mattress.
The bedding article may comprises a pillow. The bedding article may
comprise a bed pad. The bedding article may comprise a bed cover.
The flame-resistant protective cover may completely surround and
completely enclose the core. The flame-resistant protective cover
may directly contact an outer surface the core. The flame-resistant
protective cover may comprise at least one natural fiber material.
The at least one natural fiber material may comprise cotton. The
cotton may comprise fibers with a flame-resistant finish. The
flame-resistant protective cover may be removable from the core.
The flame-resistant protective cover may be removable from the core
via a fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement may comprise
at least one zipper.
[0022] The flame-resistant protective cover may comprise a
flammable material with at least one of a flame-resistant finish
and a flame-resistant treatment. The flame-resistant protective
cover may comprise a permanent flame-resistant finish. The
flame-resistant protective cover may comprise a wash-proof
flame-resistant finish, whereby the wash-proof flame-resistant
finish withstands repeated washing of the flame-resistant
protective cover. The flame-resistant protective cover may comprise
a tricot bag. The flame-resistant protective cover may comprise a
single jersey fabric. The flame-resistant protective cover may
comprise a double jersey fabric. The core may comprise one of a
latex core, a foam core, and a box spring.
[0023] The bedding article may further comprise an outer pad
arranged over the flame-resistant protective cover. The bedding
article may further comprise an outer covering arranged to surround
the flame-resistant protective cover. The bedding article may
further comprise a removable outer pad arranged over the
flame-resistant protective cover. The bedding article may further
comprise a removable outer covering arranged to completely surround
the flame-resistant protective cover. The bedding article may
further comprise an outer covering completely surrounding and
enclosing the flame-resistant protective cover. The bedding article
may further comprise a multi-layer outer covering completely
surrounding and enclosing the flame-resistant protective cover.
[0024] The invention also provides for a bedding article comprising
a mattress core and a flame-resistant protective cover completely
surrounding and enclosing the mattress core.
[0025] The invention also provides for a bedding article comprising
a core, a removable flame-resistant protective cover completely
surrounding and enclosing the core, and a non-flame-resistant outer
covering completely surrounding and enclosing the removable
flame-resistant protective cover.
[0026] The invention also provides for a bedding article comprising
a mattress core, a removable flame-resistant protective cover
completely surrounding and enclosing the mattress core, and a
removable non-flame-resistant multi-layer outer covering completely
surrounding and enclosing the removable flame-resistant protective
cover.
[0027] Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present
invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure
and the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The present invention is further described in the detailed
description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of
drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments
of the present invention, in which like reference numerals
represent similar parts throughout the several views of the
drawings, and wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of mattress having a mattress
core and a protective cover surrounding the core. A portion of a
three-layer mattress covering is shown in cross-section above the
mattress. The mattress covering material can be used to cover the
protective cover and core;
[0030] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a Flovan finish process;
and
[0031] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a Pyrovantex finish
process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0032] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the
present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing
what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood
description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present
invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural
details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary
for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the
description taken with the drawings making apparent to those
skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention
may be embodied in practice.
[0033] The drawing shows a mattress 1 having a mattress core 2 and
a protective cover 3. The mattress core 2 can be made of a
plurality of materials, such as, e.g., one or more latex materials,
one or more diverse foams (such as, e.g., polyether, cold foam,
viscose foam, a so-called memory foam, etc.,). The mattress core 2
can also be, e.g., a box spring which may or may not include a
latex or foam cover.
[0034] The mattress core 2 can be embodied as an "inner" mattress
core which is completely enclosed and/or covered by the protective
cover 3. The protective cover 3 can be a tricot bag and can be
arranged to directly surround and/or contact the mattress core 2.
In this way, the protective cover 3 acts as a cover which protects
the core 2 from melting. In the event of fire, or e.g., if a piece
of burning material and/or if an amount of melted material (such as
Trevira SC) falls on the protective cover 3, the protective cover 3
will prevent these burning or melting/melted materials from
penetrating into the mattress core 2.
[0035] The protective cover 3 can advantageously be made of a
flame-resistant material and/or of a non-flammable material. The
material of the protective cover 3 can also advantageously be made
of one or more natural materials and/or natural fibers, such as,
e.g., cotton or cellulose.
[0036] 100% cotton has proven successful as an effective material
for the protective cover 3 because cotton can be advantageously
provided with a flame-resistant finish and/or treatment.
[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, the protective cover 3 is
arranged and/or configured to be removable from the mattress core
2. Such an arrangement can be provided by e.g., arranging a zipper
on one or more of the side edges of the protective cover 3 in order
to make it possible for the protective cover 3, which would enclose
the entire mattress core 2, to be installed and/or removed from the
mattress core 2. Of course, the zipper can also be arranged the top
and bottom of the mattress core, in addition to be arranged along
the longer sides of the mattress core 2.
[0038] The protective cover 3 can be made so that it retains a
permanently wash proof quality, i.e., the protective cover 3
retains its flame-resistant finish even after repeated laundering.
However, it is also possible to equip the protective cover 3 with a
finish that is not permanently washproof.
[0039] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the protective
cover 3, it has the form of a tricot bag which is made of a single
jersey or a double jersey fabric. This embodiment has the advantage
of providing good protection for the mattress core 2 and prevents
the mattress core 2 from melting.
[0040] In addition to the protective cover 3, the mattress 1 can
also include an outer covering 7 which can also completely surround
the core 2 and protective cover 3. This outer covering 7 is the
part of the mattress which comes in contact with and/or which faces
the user. The outer covering 7 can be provided, in particular, to
improve and/or increase sleep comfort for the user. According to
one non-limiting embodiment, the outer covering 7 can be made
removable in the same way as the protective cover 3. Alternatively,
the outer covering 7 can be made to permanently cover the
protective cover 3 and core 2. The outer covering 7 includes an
upper layer or outer fabric 4, an intermediate layer 5, and a lower
layer or inner fabric 6. The intermediate layer 5 can be, e.g., a
nonwoven fabric and/or a pad. Non-limiting examples of the pad
include, e.g., a quilted foam pad or a latex pad. The lower layer 6
can be, e.g., a quilted fabric. Non-limiting examples of the
quilted fabric include, e.g., a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric.
The combination of an outer fabric 4, an intermediate layer 5 and a
lower layer 6 makes it very pleasant to lie on the mattress 1, on
the one hand, and on the other hand, can provide a good moisture
removal effect. This can be achieved, in particular, by using
suitable materials or by processing the materials properly with
this in mind. By utilizing the outer covering 7, the user can
customize and/or provide familiar materials, textures, and
processing qualities on top of the mattress 1 and the
fire-protection for the mattress can be disguised by virtue of the
fact that the protective cover 3, which covers only the inner core
2 of the mattress, is not noticeable at all because it is covered
by the outer covering 7.
[0041] With regard to the flame-resistant finish, we differentiate
between non-washable and permanently washproof covers.
[0042] By way of non-limiting example, the flame resistance can be
imparted to and/or provided on non-washable fabrics using a "FLOVAN
GGN" finish. In this case, the material is treated with a
nitrogenous phosphonic acid salt.
[0043] Also by way of non-limiting example, the flame resistance
can be imparted to and/or provided on permanently washproof fabrics
using a "Pyrovatex CP" finish. In this case, the fabric is finished
with an organophosphorus compound.
[0044] Using such methods ensures that upon exposure to fire, a
carbon backbone is formed which protects, e.g., the mattress core,
against heat.
[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates one non-limiting way in which the
finishing method with Flovan (i.e., to non-washable fabrics) can be
applied. The untreated material is first washed to remove the
fiber-accompanying substances and dried. Then the material runs
through a padder (basin) and is soaked with a special bath. The
bath includes water and Flovan, as explained above. The flame
resistance is achieved by soaking the fabric in the bath. The
material is then dried and wound.
[0046] The process shown in FIG. 2 will now be described more
specifically. The application of the treatment occurs by
impregnation, which is made via the padder. The fabric is fed into
the padder which contains the Flovan. The liquid containing the
Flovan has a temperature of approximately 140.degree. C. and the
fabric is exposed to the liquid for a dwell time of approximately
10 seconds depending on the quality. Drying is the next phase. The
tenter drying should be carried. The recommended drying temperature
in the tenter frame is between approximately 110.degree. C. and
approximately 170.degree. C. In the last stage, the fabric wound
up.
[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates one non-limiting way in which the
finishing method with Pyrovatex (i.e., to permanently washproof
fabrics) can be applied. The untreated material is first washed to
remove the fiber-accompanying substances and dried. Then the
material runs through a padder (basin) and is soaked with a special
bath. The bath comprises water, Pyrovatex (as explained above) and
a catalyst and/or phosphoric acid. It is important that the
material is then dried in a tenter frame. A chemical reaction is
triggered through the heat in the tenter frame. The phosphoric acid
that acts in the crosslinking of the catalyst must now be removed
from the substrate, after scouring is thus unavoidable. After the
washing, the material is again dried and wound.
[0048] The process shown in FIG. 3 will now be described more
specifically. The application of the treatment occurs by
impregnation, which is made via the padder. Care should be taken to
ensure a sufficient liquor pickup (between approximately 70% and
approximately 90%) depending on the fabric weight and construction.
This is achieved through the use of absorbent fabric, long dipping
sections of the fabric in the liquor, and the longest possible
immersion period (which can be effected by regulating padder
speed). Drying is the next phase. The tenter drying should be
carried out with the greatest possible overfeed. The recommended
drying temperature in the first field is approximately 110.degree.
C., and the temperature in the other fields should not exceed
approximately 130.degree. C. in order to guarantee minimal
migration. If the fabric is not cured immediately after finishing,
it has to be protected against air humidity. This can be achieved
by winding it up and wrapping it with a plastic film. Uncured
CP-LF-finishes are hygroscopic, excessive residual moisture before
curing can lead to a harder fabric hand due to migration. Curing
can then take place. When a curing machine is used, between
approximately 3 minutes and approximately 5 minutes at
approximately 150.degree. C. has to be ensured. With curing on a
tenter frame, between approximately 30 seconds and approximately 60
seconds at approximately 170.degree. C. is sufficient. Regular
monitoring of the curing effect is recommended.
[0049] It should be noted, however, that drying and curing should
be carried out with the greatest possible air renewal in the
machines. This makes it possible to largely avoid soiling. If the
fabric is wound after curing, it is expedient to cool it
beforehand, e.g., by cooling rolling to a temperature below
approximately 40.degree. C.
[0050] Washing off process occurs next. The phosphoric acid acting
during the crosslinking of the catalyst must be removed from the
substrate: a washing off process is thus essential. The washing off
process is preferably carried out within approximately 24 hours
after curing. The washing off process is usually carried out with a
full-width washer with at least 5 washing compartments or with a
winch back; though smaller batches can also be washed off on a jig.
The addition of alkali to the washing liquor causes a
neutralization of the fabric and establishes an alkali pH value, so
that the hydrolysis of the finish during storage of the fabric is
reduced. With a continuous mode of operation on full-width washers,
alkali is to be added to the washing liquor according to the
throughput of the fabric. In order to achieve an adequate
neutralization of the textile goods, the fabric should spend at
least 2 minutes in the alkali washing liquor. The subsequent
rinsing process with water should be carried out carefully in order
to prevent a possible odor. The addition of between approximately 1
ml/l and approximately 2 ml/l H.sub.2O.sub.2 to the last rinse is
recommended. After the neutralization and rising process has been
completed, the fabric has to be slightly alkali and have a pH value
between approximately 8 and approximately 9.
[0051] Advantageous varieties, types or materials can be utilized
in the invention. Basically, cellulosic fibers and wool are better
suited for these finishing methods than man-made fibers. Blends
with man-made fibers can, however, also be given a flame-resistant
finish. In this case, the dosage of the chemicals in the padder is
determined by the fiber type, the mass per unit area, the material
construction, and a potential blend of synthetic fibers such as,
e.g., PES.
[0052] Advantageous thickness of the protective cover can include
heavy and dense materials, which require a lower dosage than light
materials, and have particularly open or voluminous qualities. This
applies, in particular, to the Pyrovatex treatment.
[0053] It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided
merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be
construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present
invention has been described with reference to an exemplary
embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used
herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words
of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the
appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its
aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein
with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the
present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars
disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all
functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *